Beautiful medieval UK city’s shoppers warned as distraction thieves blight streets | UK | News
Shoppers in a stunning medieval city have been warned as brazen thieves used distraction techniques to target victims and left unsuspecting pensioners out of pocket. Kent Police have warned shoppers in Canterbury to be extra careful as they carry extra cash for their Christmas shopping.
A pensioner was distracted by impudent thieves while his money was stolen from his jacket pocket. The man, in his 70s, had withdrawn money from a nearby bank before walking into the city centre. While shopping in Marks and Spencer, a pensioner was approached by a couple who said he had something on the back of his jacket. He took off his jacket and the couple left the scene. The man later realized that the money had been taken.
Just two days later, another pensioner in his 70s was targeted while driving his silver Fiesta. She had also recently withdrawn cash from the bank and put the money in her bag on the passenger seat next to her. A woman caught the pensioner’s attention by claiming something had happened on the road. The driver got out of his car to check that the woman who had lost the money withdrawn from the bag had left the scene.
Kent Police officer Jamie Nash appealed to citizens to keep their money in a safe place out of sight. He added that anyone concerned about theft should ask a friend or family member to go with them to be extra careful.
The officer added: “‘As the festive period approaches, shoppers may be carrying more cash than ever before. It’s important to know who you’re around when you’re out and about keeping cash in a safe place.’.
“Be careful if a stranger bumps into you or walks up to you and starts asking questions or exhibiting unusual behavior. This could be a deliberate distraction, allowing them to steal your property.”
Police investigation into the incidents continues. Distraction thefts can happen in seconds; A single or several criminals can quickly distract the victim and take money or even jewelry using sleight of hand. While older people are more likely to be targeted, thieves are brazen and anyone can become a target when out and about.
